Dune Bashing In Dubai – A Complete Guide(Tips & More)

We have often heard that Dubai is the place of just fancy buildings and shopping malls, but it isn’t so. It’s also home to amazing desserts – vast, wild landscapes that are a total contrast to the city. And one of the coolest ways to experience this desert is through dune bashing. It’s like a super fun rollercoaster ride, but instead of a metal track, you’re zooming over giant sand mountains in a jeep or ATV bikes. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about dune bashing in Dubai, from what it is to how to book a trip and what to expect on your desert adventure.

What is Dune Bashing?

Dune bashing is like a special part of a desert trip where you get to do a bunch of cool stuff. You’ll be bouncing, rolling, and climbing these massive mounds of sand in a specially built 4×4 vehicle. You’ll ride in a strong jeep-like vehicle across giant sand mountains, take a camel ride, race around on four-wheeled bikes (quad biking), try sand boarding (like snowboarding, but on sand), and even enjoy a delicious dinner served in a traditional desert camp, just like desert people used to live.

What Is Included in Dune Bashing?

Most dune bashing adventures take you straight from your hotel and back after the fun is done. You can add sandboarding and racing around on quad bikes (like four-wheeled dirt bikes) for a super-fun adventure. This desert trip is a half-day jam-packed with activities, a cool way to see Dubai’s deserts. The best part? Watching the skilled driver navigate the giant sand dunes. And you should be ready for an adrenaline rush that lasts 20 to 50 minutes, depending on the package you choose. 

Insider tip: ask for a front or window seat – it’s way more fun.

But, if you want a magical desert night experience, choose the evening tour and extend your adventure to stay overnight in a Bedouin camp, just like desert people used to live. Here you can try cool things like henna hand painting, watch traditional dances, and see a fire show and belly dancing!

What to Expect During Dune Bashing in Dubai?

You need to forget your typical amusement park roller coaster – this is Dubai, and we’re talking about dune bashing. Imagine a vast ocean of fiery red sand dunes stretching out before you, and you’re about to conquer them in a super strong jeep-like vehicle.

You’ll be strapped into a specially designed 4×4 vehicle, kind of like a super strong jeep, with an expert driver at the wheel. And be prepared because this driver will take you on a thrilling journey up, down, and over these massive sand mountains. 

But don’t worry, these drivers are highly skilled professionals and the vehicles are built to handle the terrain. You might feel a few butterflies in your stomach at first, but that quickly turns into pure excitement and exhilaration. Some tours even offer add-ons like sandboarding (think snowboarding, but on sand!) and relaxing camel rides after the dune bashing adventure.

Where to Go for Dune Bashing Activity in Dubai?

While booking a tour is a popular option, you can also try dune bashing on your own in Dubai! Here are some of the coolest spots/deserts to check out:

1 – Bidayer Desert: This giant red sand dune is super famous for dune bashing in Dubai! It’s one of the best places in the whole country to go because of its enormous size and dark red color. Plus, there are even some old ruins you can explore if you’re interested in history. 

2 – Al Awir Desert: This desert is about a 40-minute drive from the city center and offers a ton of amazing red sand dunes. The cool thing is, these dunes are good for both beginners and people who’ve done dune bashing before. So, whether you’re a pro or a newbie, you can have a blast here.

3 – Lahbab Desert: The Lahbab Desert is known for its majestic red sand dunes that rise like giants against the desert sky. Lahbab offers an unparalleled backdrop for your adrenaline-pumping ride. The towering peaks and vast stretches of sand provide the perfect terrain for expert drivers to showcase their skills and take you on a wild ride.

Here’s how you can navigate your dune bashing adventure location:

• Booking Convenience: Take advantage of the ease of online booking. Research different tour companies and their offerings before making your selection. Many companies allow you to book your dune bashing tour directly through their websites, offering a convenient and hassle-free option.
• Local Expertise: If you prefer a more personalized approach, your hotel concierge can be a valuable resource. They can provide recommendations for reputable tour companies operating in different desert locations, taking into account your preferences and budget.

By considering these options, you can choose the ideal location for your dune bashing adventure in Dubai’s magnificent desert landscape.

The Best Time for Dune Bashing.

You know that Dubai’s desert gets super hot in the summer, so dune bashing wouldn’t be as enjoyable (and could even be dangerous) when it’s scorching outside. That’s why the best time for dune bashing is during the cooler months, which is roughly from October to April. During this time, the desert temperatures are much more manageable. You’d be more comfortable instead of sweaty. 

Here’s a breakdown of the best times for your dune bashing adventure:

Sunrise (4:30 – 8:30 AM): Sleeping in is great, but a sunrise dune bashing trip is totally worth waking up early. You’ll get to feel that cool desert breeze in the morning and see an amazing sunrise over the golden sand dunes. 

Morning (7:00 – 11:00 AM): Enjoy the peaceful desert morning with a fun ride and some relaxing time under the gentle sunshine. This is a great time to unwind and soak in the beauty of the desert before things heat up.

Afternoon (3:00 – 6:00 PM): Afternoon is the best time to bash those dunes and zoom around on quad bikes. This is when most people head out for some desert adventures, so get ready for some excitement!Evening (4:00 – 9:00 PM): Want to pack more fun into your trip? An evening dune bashing tour lets you experience the thrill of the ride followed by a stunning sunset view and a magical Arabian night. Imagine a delicious dinner, cool activities, and fun shows under the stars – all after your adventure.

How to Prepare for a Dune Bashing Experience?

While there’s no special training required for dune bashing, a little preparation can enhance your experience:

• Conquer Motion Sickness: If you know you tend to get motion sickness easily, take some medication beforehand to avoid any discomfort during the bumpy ride.

• Sun Protection: The desert sun can be intense, so pack sunglasses, sunscreen with a high SPF, and a hat to shield yourself from the harsh rays.

• Comfortable Clothing and Shoes: Since you’ll be moving around and potentially sandboarding, choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothes made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Long pants and sleeves can provide extra protection from the sun and sand.

• Sand Defense: A scarf can be a lifesaver, especially if you snag a window seat. It’ll come in handy to cover your mouth and nose from the sand that might fly around during the ride.

• Enjoy the Adventure: Most importantly, pack your sense of adventure and get ready for an unforgettable desert experience!

What to Wear for Dune Bashing?

When it comes to wearing in dune bashing, comfort and practicality are key. You don’t need to complicate this anymore.  Desert adventures are all about feeling free and having fun, so wear what makes you feel confident. Skip the tight jeans though, you’ll be moving around a lot during the bashing, so loose-fitting clothes are best. And since deserts are full of sand, you can skip any shoes/sneakers that you wouldn’t want to get sandy.

Here are some extras to keep in mind:

• Pack a light jacket or scarf for those chilly desert nights,
• Sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun,
• And your passport for any checkpoints.

Safety Measures for Dune Bashing.

Safety is paramount during any adventure activity. Here are some key points to remember for dune bashing:

• Choose a Reputable Company: You should go for a tour company with a proven track record of safety. They should use well-maintained vehicles with all the necessary safety features and have experienced drivers who prioritize passenger safety.
• Follow Safety Instructions: Your tour guide will provide safety instructions before the start of the tour. Pay close attention and follow these instructions diligently for a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Seatbelt Safety: Always wear your seatbelt at all times during the ride. This is the most important safety measure you can take.

What Kind of Vehicles Should You Get for Dune Bashing?

We’re about to pick your ride for conquering those crazy red sand mountains! These desert adventures are all about the wheels, so let’s see which ones rule the dunes:

ATV Bikes.

First up, we have ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles). Think dirt bikes for one person. They’re super strong and can handle all the bumps and jumps of the desert, letting you zoom through the sand like a desert superhero.

Dune Buggy.

Next, you have a dune buggy! These open-air rides are bigger than ATVs, so you can bring up to five of your best buddies along for the crazy ride. They have special features like four big wheels and extra grip to climb those dunes with no problem.

4X4 Jeeps.

Jeeps are like the kings of off-roading. They’re super tough and can handle anything the desert throws at them, sand dunes included. Plus, they just look awesome doing it!

4 Seater Buggies.

Last but not least, we have the 4-seater buggies. These are basically the SUVs of the sand. They’re strong, have four big wheels for gripping the ground, and have extra space for all your stuff for a fun day in the desert.

Average Cost of Dune Bashing in Dubai.

The cost of dune bashing tours can vary depending on several factors:

• Tour Company: Different companies may offer varying prices based on their reputation, experience, and the quality of their vehicles and services.
• Tour Duration: Shorter tours with basic dune bashing will naturally be cheaper than extended tours that include additional activities like sandboarding or a Bedouin camp experience.
• Activities Included: Some tours may offer additional activities like sandboarding, camel rides, or a traditional dinner at a Bedouin camp, which will be reflected in the overall cost.

Generally, you can expect to pay somewhere between AED 150 (around $40 USD) and AED 500 (around $135 USD) per person.

Wrap Up.

Dune bashing in Dubai is an exciting adventure that mixes the fun of off-road driving with the peaceful beauty of the desert. It’s perfect for thrill-seekers and those wanting to enjoy the desert’s calmness. This guide covers everything you need to know for a memorable dune bashing experience in Dubai, from safety tips to the thrilling ride and stunning views. So get ready for an adventure you won’t forget.